Time to try a Garzelli's Grinder...

I've driven by Garzelli's on Dixie Highway (just past Crestview Hills) many many times but never stopped. They are advertised as having "grinder" sandwiches and I just wasn't sure if I wanted to experience that.

But not for the reason you're probably thinking! You see - I had a true "Guinea Grinder" sandwich in Des Moines, Iowa (of all places) at a Mexican Bar/Grill called Los Compadres. While visiting an Italian Grocery store I asked where the best sandwich using their sausage was and they pointed me to Los Compadres. They were not joking! Here's a photo - it's just crazy amounts of food. This to-die-for crusty bread, ground beef & homemade italian sausage mixed together, peppers, onions, loads of cheese - then baked to perfection. This beast was crazy!

And after experiencing that on a few occasions, the thought of another grinder sandwich felt like I would be cheating on Los Compadres. But coworkers were hungry and Garzelli's it was...

Garzelli's is in a strip mall right on Dixie Highway across from Dixie High School.

Numerous folks in our group ordered calzones - they were really good! Kelly was kind enough to let me try some of her vegetarian calzone and I was impressed. The crust was buttery and a little salty and the toppings/cheese were plentiful. The sauce was light and tomato-y. I liked it!

You could get the sandwiches with chips or fries so I went for curly fries. They were identical to Arby's - so much so we thought maybe they went to Arby's and bought them. They were fine though - nothing special.

I got the Sausage Supreme (Italian Sausage, Cheese, Marinara Sauce, Onions, Green Peppers and Banana Pepper Rings) - I think they were like $6-7 or so. My lunch with drink and fries was around $10.

So this is the Garzelli's Grinder. It's not really a grinder like Los Compadres - it's just a hoagie. The bread is thin and kinda crispy. Really - it was unoffensive. But it wasn't what I was hoping for. Me no likey.

Another coworker got a pizza grinder and it looked fine as well.

Why Should You Go? Well - if you're hoping for sandwich heaven - don't bother. If you're looking for an alternative to Subway, Quiznos, Jimmy Johns - I guess it's fine. The calzone was far better than the grinder - I will say that. But for a sandwich - I'd much rather have Quiznos.